Frequently asked questions
What is the wattage of each light
Asked by Nicholas Waites on 27 Feb 2023
Hi Nicholas, Im not able to provide you with a wattage. What I can clarify all 8 lights combined are 40 lumens
Can you disconnect the panel and put it in a higher sunlight area in the garden for charging? Basically which part of the panel holds the charge?
Asked by Jess Bindra on 22 Oct 2021
You can buy an extension cable to place the panel (which holds the charge) further away, but you can not disconnect the panel otherwise the lights will be on all the time.
What are the 3 modes of operation referred to in a previous FAQ
Asked by Andrew on 23 Aug 2021
It is different levels of brightness. It is a power-saving mode. The light can be set on a dimmer mode.
How are they held in the 25mm hole as I was thinking of mounting them horizontally along the front face of the decking support joist
Asked by Martyn Bosworth on 26 Jul 2021
You will have to drill holes at the decking and fit the led's in there to keep them in place. The connections can be fitted underneath the deck and they won't be visible.
Hi team Does the solar panel charge the batteries on a dull day? And how long are s battery life before replacement? Thanks D Patterson
Asked by David Patterson on 4 Jul 2021
The panel will constantly charge the batteries, taking in whatever it can. However, if the day is heavily overcast and you can not see the sun, then it will take on as much charge. This is when you can use the USB facility if you want to. The batteries shouldn't need changing for at least up to 3 years, sometimes longer.
Would these be suitable to place in gravel instead of wooden steps for example? The intention would be to surround the lights with gravel on a gravel path.
Asked by Geoffrey Doran on 16 May 2021
These would be fine in gravel.
Can these lights be set into a gravel path rather than decking?
Asked by Lynda Rosier on 12 May 2021
We would not recommend that. They are designed to be installed in a decking area.
Can I charge my light battery by plugging in a USB portable phone charger (power bank) ?
Asked by David Clelland on 2 Apr 2021
Provided that the system is compatible this shouldn't be a problem.
What type of batteries are used - Voltage and mAh? I am a little surprised this information is not supplied in your description of solar lights. The mAh indicates how long the light will work at night.
Asked by Iain on 30 Mar 2021
This unit has a lithium battery 3.7 voltage and 2000mAh.
Hi do you have to use all 8 decking lights or can you just install say 3 or 4 and add later Thanks Steve
Asked by Steve barnes on 30 Mar 2021
We recommend installing all 8.
Bought new set/ Tested and all 8 worked, now only the first 4 work now in situ, I am charging with the usb and assuming the 5 hours on the info sheet is ok ? Or is it when it changes to green then it's fully charged?
Asked by Rob Wanless on 27 Mar 2021
It will have to glow green in order for the unit to be fully charged. You need to check the connections in between the lights.
What is the diameter of the rear part of the light as in what size hole do you have to drill for them to sit in
Asked by Geoff Warburton on 11 Mar 2021
To fit the lights decide upon a suitable location for the lights and drill an 25mm hole for each of the lights and secure them into the decking. Pass the cable through the hole and connect it to the previous light - approx 1.6m of cable per light.
Will these lights work ok in a pond Thanks
Asked by Mark on 9 Mar 2021
We would not recommend this.
Hi , do you know how long the led's last , bought these two weeks ago and love them, we've put them in decking but won't be able to get access to replace them
Asked by Becky on 1 Mar 2021
The LEDs should last roughly 80,000 hours, so you should be ok! Glad you love the lights!
Hi there, is it possible to wire in a timer for these rather than a dawn dusk sensor?
Asked by Ben turner on 26 Oct 2020
No sorry, this would require modifying the unit and wouldi nvalidate the warranty.
Hi there Could I purchase an additional led light as I need 9 lights connected on the area I am trying to cover. Regards Paul
Asked by Paul wroot on 20 Sep 2020
No, sorry!
I wish to install these in horizontal railway sleepers which edge my patio, but there is a garden path in between the sleepers so I can't continuously loop the lights together as shown. How can I connect them all together as instructed, but with a path in the way? Can the wire be placed under a path?
Asked by Fran on 29 Aug 2020
It may not work if people are continually treading on them, it might cause a kink or a break.
Can I add an extra 2 lights to this circuit and do you sell them separately
Asked by Willie Dow on 9 Jul 2020
No sorry, this is not possible.
Is the surround Stainless steel brush, or is it white ?
Asked by Willie Dow on 9 Jul 2020
The outside is stainless steel.
Can the lights be separated by a shorter distance than the 1.6m suggested? ie lights spaced by 1m?
Asked by Lee on 9 Jun 2020
I am sorry but this isn't possible.
I live in Oslo. Will the Edinburgh USB Solar deck lights tolerate a winter under snow? Thanks.
Asked by Lynne Wylie on 5 Jun 2020
These will be fine with the cold weather, I would however recommend not allowing a large amount of snow to sit on them for long periods of time, so if possible to maintain them to brush off the snow whenever possible.
I've brought 2 sets of the edinburgh lights. Can I run 9 off of one set and 7 on the other due a large gap inbetween the two sets?? Cheers
Asked by Ricky May on 17 May 2020
No, we recommend just running the eight lights.
Is there a distance limit for the lead from the solar panel to the first light, for example, can I use 2 or 3 extension leads?
Asked by Ian Rodgers on 4 May 2020
There is no limit but we wouldn't recommend more than 3 extension cables. Each cable will reduce the power getting to the lights but this can be overcome by having a better panel position.
Can you join two kits together??
Asked by James White on 28 Apr 2020
No, sorry!
Hi, I bought these lights last weekend and I am over the moon with them. The light produced is brilliant. However the last light in the chain does not work at all. I am correct to leave the final lead exposed or have I done something wrong? Seems strange it's the last bulb only. Thanks Mike
Asked by Mike Robinson on 20 Apr 2020
You can place some sealent at the end, you have not doen anything wrong.
Can I buy just the solar panel
Asked by Derek Beasley on 8 Apr 2020
Sorry the panel is not available separately.
is the tilt angle adjustable
Asked by john on 12 Mar 2020
The panel can be moved further back
The description states 'Automatic on at night with on/off switch to override if desired' . Where is the on/off switch located ?
Asked by Sue on 18 Feb 2020
The switch is on the bottom of the solar panel. Please note this will not make the lights come on earlier, as that is goverened by the panel. You are just able to switch them off sooner or switch them off if you are away and do not want them coming on automatically.
Can these be driven over.
Asked by Alex on 19 Jan 2020
No they cannot. Our Paverlights can!
Is the solar panel removable. The place where I want to put these lights is a long way from any usb charging point. Thanks
Asked by Tania on 1 Nov 2019
Yes the Edinburgh panel is removeable, it can be unplugged and brought indoors to charge via USB when needed.
Just bought these, but the wire to the panel isn't quite long enough to place on the roof of my garden office for the best light. Do you sell extra connector wires I can add in between the panel and first light to extend that cabe to reach? Thanks
Asked by Alison on 25 Oct 2019
We do sell an extension cable for the Edinburgh Deck Lights, you can buy them here
Do you sell the solar panel separately yet? I have a set that only works if I charge the solar panel through the usb.
Asked by Janet on 13 Oct 2019
We currently do not sell the Edinburgh panel separately. It would be worth contacting info@thesolarcentre.co.uk with your order ID for us to look into your issue.
Is it still the case with the second generation Edinburgh lights that artificial light will stop them from working. I was planning on placing them at the side of my garden next to a public path with street lamp, attaching the solar panel about 1 meter off the ground. Will the orange glow from the street lamp that is about 11 meters away cause issues?
Asked by Graeme Gilmour on 25 Jul 2019
Almost all our solar lights need it so be dark to come on, if enough light hits the panel then it will switch to charging mode. We would recommend you test the install location, simply changing the angle of the panel can make a huge difference.
Can I connect two sets (of 8s) together and run off 1 solar panel unit?
Asked by Paul on 25 May 2019
No, the panel is designed for one set only.
I've only got space for 7 lights, will they still work?
Asked by Rhona on 23 May 2019
Yes, the lights will work with only 7 attached.
Please could explain the USB function
Asked by Lynn on 23 May 2019
Once the light arrives you can fully charge them via USB. If the panel is in a poor location or we have prolonged bad weather in the winter months you can top up the solar charge with USB.
How far apart do you have to set the lights?
Asked by Sarah on 12 May 2019
If you click on the gallery images you will see a diagram, the distance is approximately 1.6m
Hi, was just wondering if I can fit an on/off switch between the panel and first light, as I wish to control when they illuminate, and what is the light output roughly
Asked by Paul on 8 May 2019
We wouldn't recommend it and it would void your warranty but if you are good with electronics then it could work. The lights have 3 output modes already.
Hi - i'm thinking of getting these to mount in a sleeper flower bed... are the cables suitable for running under 20-30cm of soil? Thanks.
Asked by Josh on 3 May 2019
It should be fine, the cable is not designed to be underwater so it would be best to ensure good drainage below the wires (maybe 1/2inch of gravel).
Hello, I was looking to find out what colour temperature the Edinburgh USB solar deck light set is?
Asked by James John on 28 Sep 2018
Natural white colour temperature. These are not cold or warm white.
Hi, is it possible to extend the distance from the solar panel to the first light? I need it to be ~4m. Thanks in advance.
Asked by Rob on 28 Sep 2018
You can buy an additional 5m cable here
If i buy the set of lights do i have to use all 8 for them to work or eill it just work with say 6 or 5 lights.
Asked by Andrew Hanson on 21 Sep 2018
You can use 5 or 6 and it will still work and light up.
2 questions - is it possible to get these in a set of 4? And would it be possible to fix these into railway sleepers?
Asked by Chris C on 1 Aug 2018
This is the only quantity available (8 lamps) and yes they would be suitable for fixing into railway sleepers.
Hi Can the bulb colour be changed from white to say is: green bulb colour....? Thanks Mick
Asked by Mick McCormick on 5 Jul 2018
Sadly not. You could buy light gels and cover each light with a green gel.
WHAT COLOUR LIGHT DO THESE HAVE, WHITE OR WARM WHITE
Asked by MATT on 7 Jun 2018
White LEDs (approx 6500K colour temp)
Can you link say two sets to run off one panel?
Asked by Anson on 3 Jun 2018
No, the size of the panel can only run 8 lights.
Can the cable be extended in any way?
Asked by Stefan on 17 May 2018
Currently, we do not offer extension cables for the Edinburgh solar decking lights.
Do you have any product that has a similar conection to the lights? My solar pannel is broken on this model
Asked by Alex on 23 Nov 2017
We don't I'm afraid, we'll have a new and improved version of this product available in early 2018 but the connectors are different.
Do you have any idea if/when this Edinburgh system will be back in stock. We have an old phone box in our village which I'd like to convert to an information & swap shop. Unfortunately the mains power has been disconnected but this system with solar panel on the roof & lights set to come on at night inside could be a perfect solution. I'd have to work out a way to mount the lights, of course. Too ambitious? What do you think? There is a 6 m tall street light about 30 m away.
Asked by Glenn Hyde on 21 Aug 2017
A security light with a remote panel could work. These would trigger when movement is picked up. A remote panel would all you to have the light on the inside with the panel outside. See more here . Our security lights are very bright and most will be to bright for inside the phone box. The Evo15 could work for you.
Can the battery be removed and charged ?, a feature like the lumify fairy lights would be nice.
Asked by Simon on 14 Jun 2017
We have this planned for a new version of the Edinburghs due later this year.
Hi,is it possible to buy the solar panel with connected cable on its own ? Thanks
Asked by nic on 22 Apr 2017
I'm sorry this isn't possible.
Would these be suitable to use around a garden pond. Not actually in the water but close. Thanks
Asked by Jill Symes on 11 Apr 2017
Yes, sounds like a great way of using the lights
Can these be linked to a mains supply?
Asked by David Ford on 4 Jan 2017
Hi David, These deck lights are only designed to be used with the solar panel supplied
Is it possible to power of a mains transformer outputting 24v
Asked by Gary Hankinson on 1 Nov 2016
I'm afraid not, the voltage of this circuit is much less than this.
How do the light fix into the 25mm hole. I would like to use them in 45 mm think CLS timber I'm using to make a raised bed
Asked by Steve on 8 Sep 2016
Each light is slightly tapered so they just push straight into a 25mm hole. You can see close ups of them in the image gallery.
Hi, I was thinking of using these as down-lights on an overhanging sleeper. Do the actual LED lights have screws to fix them in so they don't fall out?
Asked by Alex on 24 May 2016
The light parts just push in.
Hi. I am planning on installing these in decking that is next to a well lit room with patio doors. Will the light from the room stop these coming on?
Asked by James Cook on 22 Apr 2016
If you can position the solar panel so it does not get the light from the patio doors at night AND still get direct sunlight during the day time it will work. Any light (streetlamp, house lights, etc.) getting on the solar panel at night will stop the lights from turning on.
hello, do you sell spare solar panels and batteries for the Edinburgh Solar Stainless Steel Deck Lights?
Asked by Daniel on 7 Apr 2016
We do not sell spare solar panels. The batteries are rechargeable and can be found in any high street supermarket.
Hello. I bought a set of these lights approx 2 years ago and they have stopped working. Any thoughts please? Does the solar panel need replacing? Thanks.
Asked by Dave Sanders on 2 Mar 2016
We would recommend replacing the batteries at this stage and making sure that lots of direct sunlight is getting on the solar panel.
Hello, Is it possible to mount these lights in patio slabs rather than wooden decking?
Asked by Steve Evans on 18 Jan 2016
Yes. These are completely waterproof.
Hello, Due to the lack of sun my 3 sets of Edinburgh Decking lights have stopped working. Can the batteries be charged by my Ni Cd mains battery charger and if not can I put Ni Cd rechargeable batteries into my 3 solar panels? Regards
Asked by JOHN KELLY on 11 Jan 2016
The mains charger should work but we recommend testing one set first. If you replace the batteries you should always try and match the capacity on the existing batteries. Thanks!
Is it possible to purchase a replacement solar panel??
Asked by James sewell on 13 Dec 2015
We do not have Edinburgh solar panels available for purchase.
Can 2 sets of lights be joined together or will I have to have to use 2 sets with 2 Solar panels
Asked by Danny b on 31 Aug 2015
You would need to use 2 sets with 2 solar panels. We found the most stable performance based on input and output is 8 lights and do not recommend or sell extra lights for this reason.
what is the length of cable between the solar panel and the first LED unit
Asked by Nigel Green on 10 Jul 2015
It is 2m from panel to first LED.
Hi I have set my lights up and switched them on and they worked really well the first night. Then I noticed they were on during the day and didn't work as well the second night do u think I have done something wrong with the set up?? Thanks Darran
Asked by Darran on 26 Jun 2015
The lights should not be working during the day. We would recommend checking the solar panel location so that it is in full and direct sunlight at all times during the day. If it is not (for example it is in a shady area) then the lights may come on.
Can you get an extension cable so you can extend the length of cable between the solar panel and the first light?
Asked by Matt Stevens on 26 Jun 2015
Unfortunately we do not have an extension cable for this product.
Hi there. In your installation guide it says drill a 25mm hole and then secure the light in the decking. What is the best way to secure them in place?
Asked by Jason on 21 Jun 2015
The lights should just push in to the 25mm hole.
are they cold or warm white?
Asked by Barry Read on 19 Jun 2015
They are cool white.
What is the life expectencie of the led bulbs ? Regards Rob
Asked by Rob Mclean on 18 Jun 2015
LED bulbs are expected to last for at least 50,000 hours of light-time. LED bulbs do not "Blow" like a household light bulb would and will dim after time.
If/when the led bulb fails, is it replaceable, and if so what type of bulb is required?
Asked by Paul on 13 Jun 2015
If an LED bulb fails please contact us. The bulb inside the unit is not replaceable.
Can you tell me the depth of the lights I want to put them into a path of ground guard which is 40 mm deep the 38 mm diameter size fits perfectly
Asked by Geoff Smith on 2 May 2015
Depth is approx 3.1cm
Can I link another 8 lights to the same solar charger. ?I note there are more sockets on the back of the solar panel. If so can I buy the lights without the solar panel
Asked by Chris gardner on 1 May 2015
We have found that 8 lights produces the most stable and continuous performance. Adding more has been known to reduce the efficiency. To exceed 8 lights we recommend using another panel.
Can the cable in between the individual lights be buried in soil ? I would like to use these cut into railway sleepers but the cable would have to be in soil for it to work...
Asked by daniel on 28 Apr 2015
Yes you can.
Is there any problem shortening the length of cable between lights.
Asked by Robert Henderson on 22 Apr 2015
If you modify the unit in any way (like shortening cable) it will invalidate the warranty period.
Can these lights be used as downlighters in an outdoor porch shelter
Asked by john on 13 Apr 2015
Yes. So long as the solar panel is getting direct sunlight.
I have a garden border (10 m x 2 m) with a membrane base (which I do not want to pierce) and 4 inches of slate chippings on top. Can these lights be used to "nestle" into the chippings as a decorative effect ?
Asked by LMC on 31 Mar 2015
These could be "Nestled" as you described so long as they have adequate drainage and would not be sitting in a puddle.
Are these lights suitable for placing in or on a lawn to light up a path?
Asked by feebee on 3 Mar 2015
These are not suitable for lawns or grassy areas. They have been designed for use in decks.
Since each light is seperately connected, could it still work if I only wanted to connect up (for use) 6 of the 8 lights? Reason being the length of path might be too short to accommodate full set of 8 lights. Thanks.
Asked by DCB on 23 Feb 2015
Yes, you can do this with no problems at all.
the hole required is 25mm diameter but at what depth?
Asked by chris on 18 Feb 2015
This image or clicking through the product images above will give you a diagram.
Do you sell extension cables compatible with these deck lights, to enable a greater distance between lights and solar panel?
Asked by Oliver Dash on 4 Jan 2015
Unfortunately we do not sell an extension cable for this product.
Just bought a pack of these for a step project aiming to get more if they work well. I'm hoping to fit them a little like Johnathans question. Just wondering the diameter of hole I am to make in the sleepers as couldnt find it in spec and need to order the correct drill bit. Would it be something like 35mm as the outer face is 39mm? So i can feed the cable through and the light sits well in the recess etc..thanks
Asked by Alexis Montaigu on 11 Nov 2014
The recessed part of the light measures at approx 2.5cm tapering slightly towards the bottom. The top including the stainless steel ring outer is approx 3.9cm.
can I extend the cable to the panel by 1-2 m? (Edinburgh solar) Do they have a switch or can I add one?
Asked by steve richards on 4 Nov 2014
The cable cannot be extended. The solar panel has an override switch.
I have a retaining wall made of 75mm WoodblocX. If these were installed into the wood, will it be OK if the wires/fittings are buried in soil behind the retaining wall and then linked to each other that way, as opposed to the norm of the wires hanging below decking?
Asked by Jonathan on 24 Sep 2014
This should not pose any problems. We recommend double checking everything before filling it in.
Edinburgh Solar Stainless Steel Deck Lights: Do these come in any other colours other than white?
Asked by Glenn on 10 Sep 2014
All of our solar deck lights have a white light.
Two questions. For ambient lighting on a 8' x 8' deck these or 'Set Of 4 Solar Round Decking Lights'? How easy is it to fit these to an existing deck that is already in place?
Asked by nick dowling on 25 Aug 2014
The lights are very easy to install. Most customers usually do one light per square meter for ambient lighting.
How are the lights attached to each other?
Asked by barney on 2 Jul 2014
The lights are linked by wire which goes under the decking by a waterproof connector plug. There is 1.6m of cable between each light on the daisy chain.
Hi there, I recently purchased the edingburgh solar deck lights and upon installing have found myself in need of one more light. I was wondering if it would be possible to purchase one and how much, regards, jay
Asked by Jay Sinclair -Pearson on 24 Jun 2014
We do not sell the lights separately. The recommended maximum is 8 per solar panel. During testing we found that the stability and performance of the unit dropped if it was over 8.
Hi, A few questions about these lights... a) What's the battary capacity and can they be replaced b) Is there an manual on/off switch c) Can the solar panel be wall mounted d) Can additional lights be purchased to extend the chain of lights? Thanks, Sean
Asked by Sean on 2 Jun 2014
The batteries can be replaced. There is a manual on/off switch if you don't want the lights to work automatically. The solar panel will still charge the batteries with the switch in the off position. It only has a spike mount option currently. You can chain more lights but we have found that 8 or below provides the most stable performance.
Can the solar panel be screwed to something or is there only a ground post?
Asked by Anna Blake on 11 May 2014
It is supplied with a spike. There is no alternative way to install the solar panel at current.
What is the depth of each light?
Asked by mark roberts on 2 May 2014
Each light is approx 3.1cm deep and the base is 2.5cm in diameter.
How bright can I reasonably expect these to be please? And will they provided decent light in winter when needed the most? Thanks
Asked by Richard on 28 Jan 2014
These have 2 LEDs in each light do give off a good bright decorative illumination. As they're uplights the brightness is often relative to how close they are to a wall / bush etc. to give something for the light to reflect off. With a well located panel these work reasonably well in the winter.